VestaTrattoria and Wine Bar

Recently, two lost, bedraggled Texan ladies staggered through the streets of Astoria, Queens, trying to find their way to the home of their sister/step-aunt who cruelly was not answering her cell phone. Determined to be strong, they found refuge in a quaint wine bar called Vesta until said sister/step-aunt could be reached. There they found sustenance in a couple of lovely glasses of wine and, lo and behold, a friendly Texan bartender. They had miraculously stumbled upon one of Astoria's little treasures.

They had no way of knowing that they were only two blocks away from me, sister to one, step-aunt to the other, who's cell phone had died. But as soon as I got home and plugged it in, I was able to guide them on their way. Well, they were in no hurry. Vesta is cozy and pretty: dark woods and cheery windows, not more than ten tables in the whole place. If they'd stayed for dinner, they would have been treated to fresh, seasonal food, much of it locally grown, Italian in theory, but with an international flair. The menu is small and changes now and then. The staff is indeed the friendliest you'll find anywhere in NYC and the prices are affordable.

Jon and I were thrilled to see a place like Vesta open in our humble neighborhood, and other like-minded establishments soon followed. Yet somehow we don't feel we're being gentrified, just grateful to have such a nice place within walking distance. Those two Texan ladies will attest, Vesta is:
Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

21-02 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11102
7 1 8 - 5 4 5  -5 5 5 0
http://www.vestavino.com

Ristorante Giggetto - Rome

There is a place, in what used to be the Jewish ghetto in Rome, a place you get to by wandering through the cobbled back streets of that ancient city's historic district, that serves a thing as near to heaven as you'll get. It is a fried artichoke - one of Da Giggetto's specialties. Actually, everything we tried in this Roman Hostaria, or Inn, was spectacular, when eight members of my family and I went there a few years back, but none of us could get enough of the Carciofi alla Giude: artichoke in the Jewish style. The restaurant has been there since the 1920's, and is now run by the original owner's grandson. That man's nickname was "Giggetto," but you can read about all of this on their beautiful and informative website, http://www.giggettoalporticodottavia.it/.

Ristorante Giggetto is a gorgeous space wherein you feel the history of the Jewish ghetto come alive. The wait staff tolerated our large group of Americans with patience, though they could not find a table big enough for us all to sit together. To this day, we all dream of that fried artichoke, though none has found another place in or outside of Italy that prepares anything like it.

Evaluation:
Pretty sincere

 
Ristorante Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia
Via del Portico, 21/A • 00186 Rome

Ristorante La Giara, Sarteano, Tuscany

When you just happen to be out town-hopping in Tuscany, don't forget the lovely, ancient town of Sarteano, near Chianciano. Lots more to be said about the town in general, but for a great eating experience, go to La Giara on Viale Europa, basically the main drag in Sarteano, for everything from pizza to delicious main courses of meats, fish, and pastas in the typical Tuscan style, including a wonderful list of native wines.  Indoors is a bit cavernous - fine for parties and events, but like us, when we went a few years ago, you probably will be a small party looking for a wonderful meal in a friendly atmosphere, and if the weather is warm, will want to eat outside on the patio. It's not fancy - just comfortable - and they don't mind a few loud Americans. The owner, whose name I wish I could remember, a charming Signora, personally took our order and catered to us. I think she appreciated that I spoke Italian, but her English was quite good and she was just as kind to those who didn't speak her native tongue. The only issue we had occurred on our second visit, with some German friends: their teenage daughter wanted the prosciutto and arugula pizza with the toppings cooked, which isn't how they serve it, and they didn't want to do that, but she insisted, we were embarrassed, and they did it. It didn't prevent them from effusively urging us to come back someday, which we assured them we would - and we will.

Evaluation: Very sincere

 
Viale Europa, 2
53047 Sarteano SI, Italia
0578 265511

Arturo's Coal Oven Pizza - Manhattan, NYC

I first starting going to Arturo's in the mid-80's. It was the first place I ever had fried calamari. Even though their standard Italian fare is a little lack-luster, their pizza is mind-blowing, especially the pepperoni. They have a terrific wine list, which is the only thing that adds to a slightly higher bill, because the food is totally reasonable. The atmosphere is funky, super-casual and a little noisy It's often crowded but not with tourists and they usually seem to be able to find you a table. In the evenings they have a bluesy piano going which adds to the over-all downtown, bohemian atmosphere. And yes, the staff is friendly, but in that New York City kind of way.


Evaluation: Very Sincere

 
Houston and Thompson Street